Suriname's national carrier to resume flights to US
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| Published on Tuesday, June 17, 2008 |
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By Ivan Cairo
Caribbean Net News Suriname Correspondent
Email: ivan@caribbeannetnews.com
PARAMARIBO, Suriname: Surinam Airways (SLM), Suriname’s national carrier will resume direct flights to the United States of America (USA) after nearly 16 years a company official here disclosed. The move comes at a moment when several airlines are scaling back operations to the Caribbean due to increased fuel costs.
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| Surinam Airways |
“As of August 25 the SLM will operate direct flights to Miami, Florida, in the US with a stopover in Aruba,” company spokesman Rudy Westerborg, said in an invited comment.
The Miami flights will utilise an MD-82, which also services the airline's other regional destinations.
Surinam Airways is able to resume flights to US territories since the US Federal Aviation Authority recently lifted its ban on all Surinamese airlines to operate flights to the US.
The ban came after Suriname failed to implement several aviation safety standards, while national legislation had to be brought in line with international standards.
Surinam Airways will start with two flights on Monday and Friday while the number of flights could be increased if necessary. Westerborg further disclosed that the immigration clearance for Miami will be done at the airport in Aruba. “This will ease passengers’ entry in Miami since they only have to collect their luggage and proceed to customs which will also minimize any delay,” he said.
According to the spokesman, other regional operations of Surinam Airways will continue as is.
Westerborg said that Belem (Brazil), Port-of-Spain, and Curaçao will be serviced according to current schedules.
Meanwhile the company is appealing to the government for subsidies to cope with its increased fuel costs.
The official further disclosed that due to increased operational costs the airline will increase its fuel tax. Earlier this year the fuel tax was increased by 20 euros for return flights to Europe and US$5 for regional operations. | | | | Reads : 326 |
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